Third trimester is here! Hurray! And now it's time to start getting ready for the baby. So I'm here to help. I created the following, The Best Newborn Essentials Guide to help you prepare and get organized for your baby while keeping them healthy.

It's good to keep in mind that what we place on our skin is absorbed into our bloodstream within seconds. And babies put everything in their mouths to chew and suck therefore swallowing whatever is in and on the material. We need to protect our little ones from as many toxins as possible. Babies and children are more susceptible to toxins (1)(2) because their organs are still growing and maturing. So it's best to invest in their health by buying safer and healthier products for them.

Newborn babies really need very little.

"A newborn baby has only three demands. Warmth in the arms of its mother. Food from her breasts. Security in the knowledge of her presence. Breastfeeding satisfies all three." — Grantly Dick-Reed (Grantly Dick-Read was a British obstetrician and a leading advocate of natural childbirth)

Lets get organized!

Here's what you'll need for your new bundle of joy...

Clothing

Baby clothes come in different sizes:

preemie

newborn

3 months

6 months

9 months

12 months

What size should you buy? You won’t really know how big your baby will be until the day it is born. So it’s a good idea to have both newborn and 3 month sizes handy. Babies usually weigh 10 - 12 pounds when they are 1- 2 months old. Some babies are born big. Some of my moms have had 9 pounders!

Avoid clothing that has dangling strings, tassels, and ribbons because these are choking hazards.

First Wardrobe

4 - 7 one piece, stretchy (terry-cloth) sleepers. They have snaps or zippers down the front and all the way down to the leg. The benefit is that it will allow you to change your baby's clothes easily without pulling things over his/her head. Make sure whatever you buy opens easily at the bottom for diaper changes. (New moms swear by the ones with zippers!)

4 - 7 undershirts or onesies (mix of short sleeve and long sleeve (kimono style) and make sure they have plenty of room in the neck)

Should you wash your baby's clothes before he/she is born? YES. And remember that you and your partner will be holding your baby A LOT so you'll want to wash your clothes too, with non toxic, fragrance free, laundry detergent. Watch out for the dryer sheet....they are often loaded with fragrances.

Good brands of laundry detergent for infants and family:

Charlie’s Soap Laundry Powder

Biokleen Laundry Liquid

Eco Me Laundry Detergent

Seventh Generation Ultra Power Plus Free & Clear (great for whole family) This is what we use.

Molly Sud's Cloth Diaper Laundry Powder

Fit Organic Baby Laundry Detergent

Honest Laundry Detergent

Environmental Working Group (EWG) just put out a Products For Baby Rating List. Least toxic to most toxic that you may want to checkout. Click here.

3 dozen cloth diapers (I suggest a diaper service if you plan on using cloth diapers.) Here is a link comparing the different cloth diaper brands. Here's another comparison. Great info on the different types and how to use cloth diapers.

*** Newborn baby's skin is super sensitive. For the first few weeks don’t use baby wipes. Buy a roll of very soft paper towels and cut into squares, have a bowl and a thermos with warm water by the changing table to clean baby with or use a washcloth (Charlie Banana) and warm water. Make sure to wash clothes in HOT water.

Cut roll in half and remove center cardboard. In container, mix liquid ingredients, and place half of roll in container, cut side down. Place on lid, seal tightly and tip upside down. To use, pull out from center.

Mix solution together and repeat the steps for the “basic” baby wipes.

Calendula – Calendula is moisturizing and is known to help heal rashes, burns, scrapes and other skin irritations.Aloe Vera – Aloe Vera gel is used for treating burns and rashes as well as moisturizing.Tea Tree Oil – Tea tree oil has antibacterial properties and is also a wonderful antiseptic oil.Lavender – The aroma of lavender can help relax and ease tensions. It also helps promote healing of the skin.

Breast pump - Breast pumps can be as simple as a basic hand pump or as efficient as an electric model that allows you to pump from both breasts simultaneously. Hospital grade pumps work the best. Here are two great blogs to help you decide which one is right for you. How to Choose the Best Breast Pump. Some breast pumps moms like are Medela Pump In Style Advanced Breast Pump, Medela Lactina Select Hospital Grade Breast Pump, Hygeia and Spectra 1. Also keep in mind that some insurance companies will pay for a breast pump.

Pumping bra - Simple Wishes Hands Free Breastpump Bra

Milk storage container - You can use small mason jars instead of plastic bags. They come in 4 oz and 8 oz sizes and they are extremely durable.

Breast shields (only use if lactation specialist suggests using them. I did find a silicone based nipple shield called Tingxuan Shell Ultra-thin Silicone Nipple Shield. But I don't have any experience with it. Here is an article on the pros and cons of Nipple Shields.

Supplies for formula feeding

Formula (be sure to check expiration date and note the lot number in case of recalls). Consider buying organic formula like Baby’s Only Organic Formula (it says it’s for toddlers but it's okay for babies). Also check out Holle or Hipp formula from Germany. But beware because it can take up to a month to get Holle or Hipp Formula so plan ahead.

Red light bulb for nightlight - there was a study done that red lights don't disturb the melatonin rhythm in the bodies much as regular blue light, light bulbs.

Baby soothers, toys and entertainment

Pacifiers: Some babies love them, some don't. You don't have to use a pacifier but for some parents and babies, these soothers are an essential item. Babies love to suck. - Natursutten Natural Rubber Pacifier, Orthodontic

Books - Newborns love black and white books.

Toys - Non toxic is best because babies like to suck, bite and chew on them. Stay away from toxic plastic toys especially made in China. Here are some good examples of fun non toxic toys.

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